Banou walk to her father. She bow and take a seat on the floor. She pour the wine into the small cups. He look at her from his couch.
"You have become fleshy, i think."
"Father, i am getting older."
"We all are but some of your siblings are still not grown up here yet."
He point to his head. He sigh and continue to smoke.
"I don't hope much for the younger children but the least they can do is uphold our family as a prince and princess. All they do is engage into petty fights. Even if they don't want to study hard, i did not force them. When you show me that you can study. I am surprise. The only one who is wiling to pick up a book to read and write. The only one who doesn't give me trouble. "
Banou goes on her knees and take the cup from the table and handle to her father. He look and adjust the pipe on his hand to pick up the cup of wine from Banou's hand. He takes a whiff and drink it. He smile.
"It reminded me of the past. When i was young i had many concubines. They are all the same. Rich noble borns. They know nothing but to enaged in cat fights. My Sultana, only interested in reading books and the crown prince. She care for nothing. Your mother on the other hand, she may be a servant but she wants to learn to read and write. I saw her while cleaning the library, she open up the scroll and try to follow the strokes of the word. I was intrigued. She never seen me before hence i dress up like a scholar to meet her. I used my guards to block the library while every evening i spend time talking to her. "
He give Banou his cup. While she quickly get it and put it on the table.
"One day, she was serving the food on the table. She saw me but yet she is calm. She put down the dishes and leave the room. The following days, she is not the one assign to clean the library anymore. I have to search the palace for her. In the end, i found that one of the consort had taken her under her command. She was tormented and not given food. I forcefully take her away with my command. Had her place in a boudoir. She became my muse. Your mother is afraid of me. She did everything as i request. I never tell her what i feel. I never restrict what she can do when she is alone but i know she is still trying to learn to read and write. So, i sent a scholar to teach her the basic. She was estic to know how to read the words. When she was pregnant with you, she continue her life style. I never stop what she can do. She is afraid of the consorts so she remain away which i never protest. If i push her infront of them, i know behind my back, they will do something to her. Thus i pretend i did not see her that important. So that she have her peace."
He continue to smoke and blow. He wave his finger for the wine. Banou hurry to pour a cup and hand it to him.
"Some days i will go to her courtyard, i will be sitting on the couch smoking and she will hand me the drinks and fruits. Just like now."
He stop talking and look at her. His face begin to harden up and his eyebrowns knit up. He bend down to face her closely. Banou can smell the smoke of musky woody smell from him. HIs eyes are slightly blood shot.
"Tell me... among the Chinese entourage, is that tall slim fair man, the father of my eldest grandson?"
Banou is almost afraid to reply him. She dare not look away too. She nod her head slowly. He move back and sit comfortable while continue to smoke. A man from the side of the courtyard and walk to the Sultan.
"Great Sultan, your humble servant need to inform you that it's now closing to midnight. You have to return to rest for the day."
He move and put his legs down on the ground. Banou push his sandals near his feet. He look at her sternly.
"Banou... remember you are a princess. Not a servant. Your mother is a servant but i never treat her as one. I told her the same thing. Never do what that again. The most, you can pour me drinks. The rest, are what they are needed for. Understand this Banou."
"Yes father."
She bow as she sits there listening to his lectures.
"Tell me, do you do this for your husband as well."
"No father. I did not... He does his own things."
"Good... what about that man with the entourage?!"
Banou knows that she shouldn't lie but she doesn't want Li Jun to get in trouble with him. This is Ottoman after all and Li Jun is now under his empire. Banou quickly shake her head.
"You better not lie Banou. You know if you lie what will happen..."
"Father! Banou understands but i don't lie."
Her father nod his head and wear his sandals. Banou bow again as he leaves the courtyard. She sigh when he is out of sight. He is her mighty father that wield power over everyone.
The next day, bright and early she enter the same courtyard where they met the Sultan for the first time. However today, there are woman talking excitedly outside. Most of them turn around to see who walk in. Banou's heart drop and she can't maintain a smile on her.
"Well well... isn't the great Banou return?!"
Her sisters laugh and the entire courtyard echo with their laughter. It is the most terrifying sound that Banou ever hear from.